Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches the game tying touchdown against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) and is hit as a penalty of unnecessary roughness is called on free safety George Iloka (right) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium.(Photo: Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports)

It's rare for a rivalry to face calls for both teams to ratchet down their aggression, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have acknowledged a desire to keep things under control ahead of their grudge match.

The latter of last season's showdowns was a flashpoint for that animosity, as the teams combined for 20 flags, nine of which were for unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness. And with the NFL further prohibiting the use of the helmet, there will be less leeway for the kind of hits leveled by Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who knocked out linebacker Vontaze Burfict and then celebrated while standing over him, and Bengals safety George Iloka, who doled out a headshot to wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Regardless of the bad blood, Sunday could prove to be a defining day in the AFC North race. The Steelers' once off-kilter offense found its footing in a 41-17 win over the Falcons, but the Bengals have jumped to a lead in the division thanks in part to an opportunistic defense that has been able to overcome its deficiencies.

Perhaps the biggest matchup hinges on Bengals cornerback William Jackson III, the burgeoning star who held Brown to zero catches on eight targets when the two faced off in last year's games. Rookie Jessie Bates' range in coverage also will be vital, as Pittsburgh's receivers provide game-breaking potential.

Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who is tied for the league lead with six sacks and commands consistent double teams, will be counted on to continue to create havoc up front. But offensive guard David DeCastro and the rest of the Steelers line haven't flinched often this year, ranking No. 4 in pass-blocking efficiency and allowing pressures on just 24.8% of all dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. If Atkins and Carlos Dunlap can't generate heat on Ben Roethlisberger, it could spell trouble given that Cincinnati ranks second-to-last in third-down conversion rate allowed (52.7 percent).

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The wild card for both sides may be Burfict, who will be playing in his just second game since suffering a concussion in December's melee. While the talented linebacker has shown he can be a difference maker, his proclivity toward running hot and generating penalties could change the complexion of the game.

Relative to his typically restrained assessments, Bill Belichick has been effusive in his praise of Kansas City's second-year standout and his arm strength, saying that his ability to get the ball downfield forces teams to defend much more space. But it's Mahomes' mobility that should be of more worry, as he could continue to strain secondaries by extending plays and creating more opportunities for his playmakers.

For New England, containment might be a priority over full-on pressure. While the Patriots' pass rush isn't deep or at its most disruptive, it has experience on this front after facing the Houston Texans' Deshaun Watson in Week 1. If Mahomes is given the same opportunities that he has been able to create so far this season, New England will be at risk of giving up the same kind of long scores that undid the team in last year's 42-27 loss to Kansas City.

Titans QB Marcus Mariota vs. Ravens secondary

Still playing with a partial glove on his throwing hand, Mariota hasn't been quite right for most of the year. He has been held to fewer than 130 passing yards in all but one of his games this season, a Week 4 breakout win over the Eagles. But with Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis combining to average 3.3 yards per carry, the Titans don't have much recourse for lightening their reliance on Mariota.

Awaiting Tennessee might be one of its most formidable opponents yet in a Baltimore defense that ranks as the NFL's best in completion rate allowed (54.8 percent) and opposing passer rating (71.8) and yards per attempt (5.9). The Ravens boast a deep and talented secondary, so Mariota might have to continue to provide a spark by taking off outside the pocket.

Injuries have turned Miami's offensive line into a patchwork product, and the pressure allowed by the front last week in a loss to the Bengals led to two fourth-quarter defensive touchdowns. Now that same unit has to account for Mack, who has five sacks and four forced fumbles in four games.

The expected return of Laremy Tunsil at left tackle should help the unit avoid the kind of collapse it experienced against Cincinnati when he exited, but James is the one who likely will face Mack for most of the day. With Brock Osweiler stepping in for the injured Ryan Tannehill, Miami will have even less room for error against the Bears' pass rush.

With Leonard Fournette out another week because of a hamstring injury, Yeldon will again shoulder a significant load as Jacksonville's lead back, even after the signing of Jamaal Charles. The fourth-year veteran has averaged 86 rushing yards per game in the three contests that Fournette has missed. The Jaguars also are likely in line for an offensive recalibration after Blake Bortles threw 99 passes in the last two weeks.

Dallas' defense, however, has allowed just 3.4 yards per carry. Smith and Vander Esch are among the brightest spots for the unit, giving the Cowboys a tandem of linebackers with impressive range in coverage and run support. Dallas will also benefit from the expected season debut of defensive tackle David Irving, who missed the first four games due to suspension and last week due to personal issues.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston throws a lateral on the final play of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Buccaneers lost to the Falcons, 34-29. Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield sits on the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns lost to the Chargers, 38-14. Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph intercepts a ball and runs in for a go-ahead touchdown, leading the Texans to a 20-13 win over the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

British and United States flags hang during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium between the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) fumbles the ball in the second quarter after a hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard (53) at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins quarterback Brock Osweiler, making a start in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill, huddles with teammates during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium. Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates with teammates after making a touchdown catch against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett hits New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the goal line forcing a fumble in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Giants recovered the ball. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports